On Écoute: Yael Naïm

Singer, songwriter, citizen of the world…

Born in Paris to Tunisian parents and raised in Israel, Naïm considers herself a citizen of the world. She returned to Paris at age 21 where she began composing her folk-pop albums with creative partner, musician-producer David Donatien.

Her musical career hit a high note in 2008 when Apple featured her whimsical song New Soul from her second album, making her an overnight success. Since then Naïm has performed her soulful tunes around the world, and continues to gain loyal fans.

When she was invited to co-perform Jacques Brel’s Quand on n’a que l’amour (When All We Have Is Love) at a memorial for the victims of the Paris attacks, she gave a moving tribute. Her fifth and most recent album, entitled older and released in France in March of 2015, was written in English, Hebrew and Creole. It has already earned Naïm a second Female Artist of the Year award at Les Victoires de la Musique, France’s equivalent of the Grammys.

If you like this, you might like…

ARETHA FRANKLIN: Fabulous French electro-swing band with several striking car toon videos. Greatest Hits. Global TV 

NORAH JONES: Soulful blues and folk-based pop. Her debut album won eight Grammys! Come Away with Me. Blue Note

NOUVELLE VAUGE: Meaning ‘new wave’, this French band mixes bossa nova in its cover tunes. Nouvelle Vague. Peacefrog Records

Read more articles in the On Écoute series:
Alain Souchon
Charles Aznavour
French Kiwi Juice
Erik Satie
L’Indécis
Justice
Stuck in the Sound
Oliva Ruiz
Indochine

From France Today Magazine